Microsoft switches up CRM Online licensing model

Microsoft is rolling out a more flexible licensing policy for its CRM Online application that could make it more competitive with the likes of Salesforce.com, but in one instance it also introduces a price increase.

While Microsoft’s CRM (customer relationship management) software uses the same codebase for both the online and on-premises versions, until now CRM Online was available at only one pricing level, currently $44 per user per month. Meanwhile, on-premises CRM customers have been able to choose from three different pricing models.

“Many of our online customers have asked us for more options,” said Paco Contreras Herrera, director of product marketing for pricing and licensing, in a blog post Monday. “They want the same flexibility for our online service.”